Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, is located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, on the right bank of the Turia River. This historic city was initially a Greek settlement, later occupied by the Carthaginians. In the 2nd century BCE, it became a Roman colony named Valentia. Over the centuries, it was ruled by Visigoths, Moors, and finally conquered in 1238 by James I of Aragon. During the Spanish Civil War, Valencia served as the Republican government’s headquarters. Today, it is an important industrial, commercial, academic, and tourist hub.

Valencia is a romantic and multicultural destination, seamlessly blending historical landmarks with advanced modern architecture. Its landscapes are characterized by orange groves and rice fields. The historic center is charming with its narrow streets and blue-domed churches, while the modern district offers wide boulevards lined with tall trees.

The city’s most iconic attraction is El Oceanogràfic, part of the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. This futuristic complex spans approximately seven kilometers and includes:

L’Hemisfèric – featuring a planetarium, an IMAX cinema, and laser shows.

Principe Felipe Science Museum – offering interactive and educational exhibits.

Palau de les Arts – a magnificent opera house with four performance halls covering 37,000 m².

L’Oceanogràfic – the largest aquarium in Europe.

L’Umbracle – a stunning botanical garden, particularly popular at sunset.

Other significant tourist attractions include:

Valencia Cathedral – an architectural masterpiece.

Serranos and Quart Towers – remnants of the city’s defensive walls.

Museum of Fine Arts – showcasing works by artists like Juan de Juanes, Francisco Ribalta, Velázquez, Goya, and Murillo.

Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas – a baroque architectural gem.

Botanical Garden and Central Market – ideal spots for relaxation and exploration.

Bullfighting Museum and Ceramics Museum – for those interested in local culture.

Santos Juanes Church – built in the 15th century, a prime example of pure Gothic style.

Valencia’s beaches are another major draw, along with its lively festivals and events. Highlights include:

Fallas de Valencia – held from March 15-19, it is Spain’s most famous festival, honoring Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. Streets transform into open-air museums with spectacular monuments.

San José Celebration – another vibrant cultural event.

How to reach Valencia:

The city is well-connected by several international airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, ITA Airways, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, TAROM, KLM, Wizz air, Ryanair and Iberia.